Real Wedding – Brianna & Joshua, Macedon Ranges VIC 

Brianna and Joshua found the planning process easy, knowing that the key to a seamless experience was booking the vendors they loved early.

From the early days of planning they knew the style they were after, wanting to keep it sleek and classy while incorporating neutral tones and greenery, which only added to the beauty of their chosen venue, Lancemore Macedon Ranges.

While the weather chose not to play fair when it came to hosting an outdoor ceremony, they didn’t let it phase them and found their indoor alternative provided the intimacy they had hoped for. As their ceremony commenced Brianna was a vision in her custom d’Italia two-piece gown, while Joshua looked sharp in his YSG Tailors suit. Exchanging heart-felt vows, in a ceremony led by a dear family friend, they felt surrounded by love as they sealed the deal with a kiss.

Knowing their day would be an experience like no other, this perfect pair made sure they soaked up every moment and Duuet captured their celebration to perfection.

The meeting.

Josh and I met five years ago through the dating app, Bumble. We had known each other previously, as we had lived in the same area and went to primary school together, but were in different year levels. I messaged Josh first, but I wasn’t looking for anything serious until we met, and the sparks flew.

The ‘one’.

I think we both knew early on. We spent almost every day with each other and moved into our first home after six months. Not long into our relationship, I was unfortunately diagnosed with Crohn’s. Through this, I found that Josh was my biggest supporter and helped me overcome all my struggles, which is when I knew he was someone special and someone I hoped I’d spend my life with.

The proposal.

Josh – Brie had been hinting about getting engaged for a few months; however, I’d been thinking about it for a while. I knew that if I had planned something, Brie would be on it straight away, so I had the idea of hijacking her dinner, which would catch her off guard. We were about to leave for dinner when I decided the moment felt right – in our first home with our beautiful Labrador, Larry. We were in the kitchen when I grabbed a bunch of peonies (Brie’s favourite) and decided to ask. The moment was perfect for us.

Planning process.

The planning process was easy, I found. I am highly organised and know what I want. I made sure to get in super early with all my vendors because I knew the backlog of weddings after the pandemic restrictions would make things hard. I feel COVID helped us have time for the planning and made it easier.

The hardest part of planning was waiting and wishing for the New Zealand borders to be open in time for my family to come. When the news came that the borders were finally opening, we knew we had picked the perfect date.

Style inspiration. 

We wanted to keep the wedding very sleek and classy. The idea was to have neutral tones and greenery, as the venue had big glass windows overlooking the vineyard, which we wanted to showcase. I also worked with my florist to have amazing flowers on display to keep the classy vibe throughout the venue.

For inspiration, Ivory Tribe and Hello May magazine was super helpful; I loved looking through all the pages at the different style of weddings. However, I always knew the style I was after.

The ceremony.

Brie – The ceremony was meant to be outside until the morning of the wedding when we decided to move it inside due to the wind, rain and it being freezing cold in May. Having it inside made the ceremony more intimate and special to us. The most special part to me was walking down the aisle with a full-length face veil; it’s something I always wanted to do and haven’t seen too often. It’s an overwhelming feeling the walk down the aisle. It was so special that I got to experience it with my Dad, who had made the trip from New Zealand.

Josh – Seeing Brie walk down the aisle was one of my favourite parts; our vows were so special, as well as the first kiss as husband and wife.

The look. 

Brie – I tried on a few different styles of dresses, but nothing stuck out as unique. I also knew I didn’t want the same dress as everyone else, so I had my dress designed by D’Italia after a friend recommended them. I decided to go with a dress-making company as I was unsure about the style I was after. Having Alyssa and Vicky help guide me to my dream dress was great as I am the most indecisive woman.

Two weeks prior to the wedding, Vicky and I still hadn’t decided on the dress top, so we ended up doing a two-piece which I absolutely loved and felt amazing in. In some photos, the dress looks like one dress and then in other photos, it still has the two-piece look, which I really liked – and it’s different. I was lucky to have the ability to change my dress so close to my wedding, which is one reason why D’Italia was great to go with.

Josh- I got my suits from YSG tailor in Richmond. The process was amazing and fun. They tailored my suit down to the colour of buttons and stitching I wanted. I went with a full tux to suit the style of our wedding, which was special because you don’t get to wear a tux often. It was the best decision, and I’m so glad I had a great experience. I highly recommend YSG tailor for all suit needs; their range was incredible.

Favourite moments.

Brie – My favourite moment of the day was doing our photos before our ceremony. It was so special to spend that time with Josh prior to our guest’s arrival. It was a moment where we got to share and take everything in together. The other moment was swapping into my second dress, I felt stunning, and it fit the vibe we were after for the party.

Josh – The band Jack and Jordan were incredible. We had faith in their skills, and they nailed it. The dance floor was a highlight!

Meaning of marriage.

It’s about having trust, compassion and unconditional love for one another.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: 500 miles by The Proclaimers

Signing: Simply the best by Tina Turner

Exit: You’ve got the love by Florence and The Machine

First dance: Fall at your feet by Crowded House (this was a must for Josh)

All sung by Tobi Tobi, who were absolutely incredible.

Words of wisdom.

Let go of all the stress that leads up to the wedding and enjoy the moment. It’s an experience like no other, so don’t let the bad ruin it.

d’Italia create bespoke wedding gowns for brides who are after a truly unique experience, and in their trusted hands you will be guaranteed you will have a gown that you will fall in love with over and over again. Book your appointment with the d’Italia team here. 

BRIE & JOSH’S VENDORS

Most of my suppliers were recommended to me or were friends. Having these suppliers was special because they were well known and recommended.

Ceremony & reception venue: Lancemore Estate Macedon Ranges

Celebrant: David Lambert. David has been a family friend for over 20 years, and it was beautiful having someone who has known me for so long officiate our special day.

Photographer & videographer: Duuet

Styling & florist: Stasia Fox Events. I was lucky to have met Anastasia when she did the flowers at my engagement party, and I instantly knew I wanted her to do my wedding. She worked with my vision board and made the venue look incredible.

Hair: Amy Prenc Hairstylist. Amy has been a friend of mine for many years.

Make-up: Laura Difrancesco

The dress: D’Italia, made by Vicky. My second dress was Marquise Bridal which I had altered.

Veil: Dove Grey Bridal

Shoes: Tony Bianco

Rings: Diamonds 4 Life. Claude was recommended to us by a friend, and he did not disappoint with the process and the rings, my dream!

Suits: YSG Tailors

Bridesmaid dress: Bec + Bridge

Favours: Mister Bartender. Personalised cocktails and mocktails for each guest.

Cake: T. With Cake. Tanya made the most delicious cake, and we had no leftovers; everyone loved it. We had a macaroon tower for those who were gluten intolerant and vegan.

Stationary / signage: The Parker Effect

Entertainment: Unplugged Entertainment – Tobi Tobi for the ceremony, Jack and Jordon for the reception.

Honeymoon: we went (well, we are still in Europe as I write this) to Europe straight after our wedding for six weeks. It was incredible, and we are truly lucky we got to experience this trip together.